CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS PRICES DOWN SLIGHTLY IN OCTOBER BUT CONTINUE TO OUTPACE BUILDING PRICES FOR THE YEAR, CAUSING “DIFFICULTY” FOR CONTRACTORS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 15, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials dropped slightly (-0.6 percent) in October but climbed 6.9 percent from the year-earlier level, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, the price contractors charge for new nonresidential building construction edged up only 3.3 to 4.3 percent over 12 months, depending on building type.